The athlete – nicknamed Blade Runner – insists it was an accident and a result of mistaken identity.

Following the decision to grant bail, the athlete's PR team released a statement on Saturday from the sportsman's uncle Arnold, saying: "We are grateful that the magistrate recognised the validity and strength of our application.

"As the family, we are convinced that Oscar's version of what happened on that terrible night will prove to be true."

However, South Africa's criminal prosecution agency hit back at speculation that he bail decision had damaged its case against Mr Pistorius.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Medupe Simasiku said: "We are confident of the case which we have been handling."

Mr Simasiku went on: "Being a bail application, it [the court's decision] doesn't mean an acquittal. We still have a case to deal with, and we respect the ruling of the court so far.

"We still believe we have the evidence to convict Oscar Pistorius, but I cannot give details regarding what it is."

The prosecution has been stung by strong criticism for the way the police handled the initial investigation.